Chandigarh: In Haryana’s Nuh district, a shrine in Tawadu town was reportedly vandalised late Sunday night, hours before the start of the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra. The incident took place around 1:30 am and was discovered by caretakers at 5 am on Monday.
Police were informed immediately and senior officials, including the SDM and DSP, visited the site for investigation.
District Commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena stated that the situation remained completely peaceful and under control. He said strict action will be taken against those responsible.
Though the yatra route does not pass through Tawadu, many participants gather from this area. The vandalism is being viewed as an attempt to create fear among the devotees.
The yatra is scheduled to begin from the Nalhadeshwar Temple in Nalhar, passing through Jhirkeshwar Mahadev temple in Firozpur Jhirka and concluding at Shringeshwar Mahadev temple in Shingar village.
In 2023, the Braj Mandal Yatra in Nuh was marred by communal violence, resulting in seven deaths. The 2024 yatra proceeded under strict security. This year, preparations are being made to conduct it in a grand manner with heightened precautions.
Authorities have imposed multiple restrictions to maintain law and order. Internet and bulk SMS services have been suspended in Nuh for 24 hours. Schools and markets remain closed on Monday.
Over 2,500 police personnel have been deployed and drone surveillance, bomb squads, dog units, and roadblocks have been set up.
Bittu Bajrangi, leader of a cow vigilante group and an accused in the 2023 violence, has been placed under house arrest in Faridabad. He had applied for permission to join the yatra but was denied by authorities. He is currently out on bail and had earlier released inflammatory videos during last year’s unrest.
Officials have appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid sharing misinformation. Despite the shrine vandalism, the district administration maintains that the situation is stable and the religious procession will proceed under full security.
